Coach Mike Tomlin Speaks Out After Finding the Key to Restoring Steelers' Defensive Identity:"The defensive star with 4 straight seasons over 100 tackles is the 'perfect piece' the team needs right now."

Coach Mike Tomlin Speaks Out After Finding the Key to Restoring Steelers' Defensive Identity:"The defensive star with 4 straight seasons over 100 tackles is the 'perfect piece' the team needs right now."

October 31, 2025 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue their push to restore the spirit of the legendary “Steel Curtain,” head coach Mike Tomlin believes he’s finally found the player who can reshape the entire defense — Quincy Williams of the New York Jets.

Following the long-term injury to safety DeShon Elliott, the Steelers quickly traded for Kyle Dugger from the Patriots to patch the secondary. But according to Tomlin, what this team truly lacks isn’t just personnel — it’s leadership at the heart of the defense, someone who can connect every level and bring rhythm, energy, and identity back to the unit. In his mind, that player is Quincy Williams.

“He’s the kind of player who changes the tempo of your entire defense,” Tomlin said. “It’s not just the tackles or the hits — it’s the presence, the communication, the energy. Quincy brings intensity that lifts everyone around him. That’s exactly what we’ve been missing.”

At 29, Williams has established himself as one of the NFL’s most consistent and complete linebackers, recording four consecutive 100-plus tackle seasons (2021–2024), two AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors, and a 2023 Pro Bowl selection. His explosive burst, sharp instincts, and ability to defend the pass make him an ideal fit for a Steelers unit that’s struggled mightily in coverage this season.

“If you’ve watched our recent games, it’s not about talent,” Tomlin continued. “It’s about connection — the timing and trust between our front, our linebackers, and our safeties. Quincy brings that unity. He understands structure, leads by example, and makes an impact the moment he steps on the field.”

According to team sources, Pittsburgh is actively negotiating with the Jets ahead of the trade deadline. If the deal goes through, Williams would pair with Patrick Queen to form a dynamic linebacker duo that could restore the toughness and identity of the Steelers’ defense — a modern echo of their storied past.

“We’re not looking for a hero,” Tomlin concluded. “We’re looking for someone who makes the system work — and Quincy Williams is exactly that piece we need right now.”